Pope Uncomfortable with Others of His Ilk Placed by Obama

Vatican at Odds With White House Over Guests for Papal Visit

As Pope Francis' first visit to the United States quickly approaches, a guest list for his welcome ceremony was revealed by the Obama administration and included guests that not only offend the Vatican, but also will test the Pope's tolerance, The Wall Street Journalreports.

The Obama administration has decided to invite transgender activists Mateo Williamson and Vivian Taylor, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, Bishop Gene Robinson and Sister Simone Campbell, an activist nun who leads a group criticized by the Vatican for its silence on abortion and euthanasia.

Despite the Pope declaring that he doesn't believe in judging people and is ready to welcome anyone in Christ's name, he has also said that Catholics do not accept the modern mentality of transgenderism and that gay marriage is the devil's "attempt to destroy God's plan," Breitbart reports.

"This is the group Obama has personally invited to the White House to meet the Pope?" said Rush Limbaugh on "The Rush Limbaugh Show."

"Some people are saying that this is perfectly Obama. He's got the Pope coming, and he wants to insult the Pope, put pressure on the Pope, and challenge the Pope," Limbaugh added.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that he was unaware of the guest list and also reminded reporters that "there will be 15,000 other people there too."

The Wall Street Journal reports that the welcoming ceremony for the Pope will be held on the White House's South Lawn on Wednesday. According to a senior Vatican official, the Holy See has noted its concerns that any photos of the Pope with these controversial guests could be interpreted as an endorsement of their activities.